General Physics Program Map

This program meets the lower division major preparation for the General Physics degree pattern at CSU, Chico. Visit website for details www.assist.org The Associate in Science in General Physics is intended for students who plan to continue on to a University and major in Physics or related discipline. Students who successfully complete this pattern may transfer into the General Physics program at Chico State or transfer into the discipline representing the breadth choice for the degree. Physics is the fundamental study of the relationships that exist among time, space, motion, matter and energy that serves as both a living and evolving record of humanity's understanding of the physical universe from the sub-atomic to the super-galactic as well as a coherent, time-tested compendium of strategies for mathematically modeling and analyzing physical systems. Preparation in the physics discipline may also prepare students for multidisciplinary investigations or to enter into other disciplines very prepared to succeed. Roughly 50% of students who receive physics bachelor's degrees go directly into the workforce after graduation while the rest continue onto graduate school (which is often tuition free for US citizens). Physics bachelor degree careers are wide ranging and include High School Physics Teachers, Government Funded Laboratory technicians and Private Sector jobs often working the same computer science and engineering jobs as graduates in those fields with average salaries markedly above jobs from non-technical fields. Students are encouraged to contact one of our 4 full-time physics instructors to discuss possible futures in physics. Physics is an abstract and mathematically demanding field. Beginning the AS Degree requires the student have the required prerequisites to enter into college level calculus. Many students have begun focused math studies well below calculus-level at Butte College, succeeded in physics and been successful in receiving advanced degrees.

Program detailsAward, code, department, CIP/TOP

Community of interest: STEM Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics
Award: AS Degree
Program code: 01357.01AS
Department: Physics
CIP code: 40.0801: Physics, General.
TOP code: 1902.00 - Physics, General

Map Class Schedule

Program Schedule Report Meet with a counselor

General Physics

AS Degree

The Associate of Science is typically awarded for Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and Career Technical Education (CTE) programs. Like every Butte College associate degree, it has two parts: a general-education curriculum that gives you a broad base of knowledge, and an academic program where you specialize.

About General Education. GE is an integrated program of learning designed to foster intellectual curiosity, cultural understanding, critical thinking, creative reasoning, oral and written communication, and the capacity for ethical reasoning. By graduation, you'll have developed the ability to think critically, communicate clearly, apply quantitative reasoning, understand how the major academic disciplines ask their questions, comprehend diverse cultures and historical periods, and assess ethical problems — alongside the depth you build in your major.

See the 2025-26 Catalog for official program details

Semester-by-Semester Map

Term 1

Class Schedules

15–17 units

Select one: Meets Area 2

Required

4 units

Choose one of 2 choices

MATH 28
Precalculus
4 units
course details
This course is preparation for calculus. It covers advanced algebra topics beyond the scope of Intermediate Algebra as well as the theory and applications of Trigonometry, both of which are necessary for success in calculus. Topics include polynomial, absolute value, radical, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions and their graphs; analytic geometry, and polar coordinates.
Prerequisite: Trigonometry or equivalent
+−
MATH 28s
Precalculus with Support
4 units
course details
This course is preparation for calculus. It covers advanced algebra topics beyond the scope of Intermediate Algebra as well as the theory and applications of Trigonometry, both of which are necessary for success in calculus. Topics include polynomial, absolute value, radical, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions and their graphs; analytic geometry, and polar coordinates. This course will contain the same curriculum as MATH 28 but will also have embedded support to review key intermediate algebra and geometry concepts. This course emphasizes in-class activities and applications.
Prerequisite: Trigonometry or equivalent
+−

General Education: Area 1A

English Composition

Baccalaureate-level academic writing — expository and argumentative. The foundation for every other course you'll write in.

General Education: Area 3

Department recommends ART 1, MUS 1, or HIST 8.

Arts and Humanities

How people and cultures, across time, respond to themselves and the world through artistic and cultural creative production. Visual and performing arts, art history, foreign languages, literature, philosophy, religion.

General Education: Area 6

Ethnic Studies

The histories, experiences, and contributions of the four autonomous disciplines: Black / African American / Africana studies, Native American studies, Chicano/a/x and Latino/a/x studies, and Asian American studies.

Graduation Requirement Choice (See GE Guide)

Department recommends CSL 20.

Term 2

Class Schedules

14 units

CHEM 1

General Chemistry I

5 units

Meet Area 5A/5C.

This course introduces students to the basic principles of chemistry with a quantitative emphasis. Topics include atomic theory, chemical bonding, molecular geometry, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, gases, thermochemistry, intermolecular forces and solutions. This is the first semester of a one-year course in chemistry intended for majors in the natural sciences (chemistry, biochemistry, biology, physics, pre-medicine), mathematics, and engineering. The two-semester sequence of CHEM 1 and CHEM 2 provides the basic chemical background needed for further investigations into our physical environment. Graded only. (C-ID CHEM 110/CHEM 120S).

Prerequisite: CHEM 11 or CHEM 51 or one year of high school Chemistry; and Intermediate Algebra or equivalent

GEOL 32

Physical Geology with Lab

4 units

Meet Area 5A/5C.

This course introduces students to the internal and external processes that are at work changing the earth today. Within the context of modern plate tectonics theory, students will explore the origins of rocks and minerals and dynamic earth processes such as volcanism, seismicity and mountain building that are driven by the release of Earth's internal heat. It also examines how wind, running water, and glaciers move in response to gravity and energy from the sun and the sculpting of Earth's surface by erosion. These concepts as well as the interpretation of topographic and geologic maps will be reinforced with an integrated laboratory program. (C-ID GEOL 101).

Select one: Meets Area 2

Required

5 units

Choose one of 2 choices

MATH 30
Analytic Geometry and Calculus I
5 units
course details
A first course in differential and integral calculus of a single variable: functions, limits and continuity, techniques and applications of differentiation and integration, Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Primarily for Science, Technology, Engineering & Math Majors. (C-ID MATH 210).
Prerequisite: MATH 20 and MATH 26 or MATH 20 and MATH 26s, MATH 28 or MATH 28s, or college-level Pre-calculus or equivalent
+−
MATH 30s
Analytic Geometry and Calculus I with Support
5 units
course details
A first course in differential and integral calculus of a single variable: functions, limits and continuity, techniques and applications of differentiation and integration, Fundamental Theorem of Calculus. Primarily for Science, Technology, Engineering & Math Majors. This course will contain the same curriculum as MATH 30 but will also have embedded support to review key pre-calculus concepts. This course emphasizes in-class activities and applications.
Prerequisite: MATH 20 and MATH 26 or MATH 20 and MATH 26s, MATH 28 or MATH 28s, or college-level Pre-calculus or equivalent
+−

Term 3

Class Schedules

16 units

BIOL 41

Cell and Molecular Biology

5 units

Meets Area 5B/5C.

This course is an introductory study of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure and function as well as basic viral structure and reproduction. Attention is given to life processes within cells and to interactions between cells. Coverage includes experimental design and statistical analysis; basic biotechnology concepts and techniques; DNA structure, function, and gene expression; enzyme function; energetics; nutrient cycles in ecosystems; transport mechanisms; cytoskeletal components; cell communication (including nerve impulse conduction and signal transduction); cell reproduction; Mendelian and population genetics; cell evolution; and modern concepts of molecular biology. This course is designed for biology majors. (C-ID BIOL 190/BIOL 135S).

Prerequisite: CHEM 1 and Intermediate Algebra or equivalent

MATH 31

Analytic Geometry and Calculus II

4 units

Meets Area 2.

This course is the second of a series in differential and integral calculus of a single variable. Topics will include the concept, techniques and applications of integration, infinite sequences and series, as well as polar and parametric equations. Intended for Science, Technology, Engineering & Math Majors. (C-ID MATH 220).

Prerequisite: MATH 30 or MATH 30s

PHYS 41

Physics for Scientists and Engineers I

4 units

Meet Area 5A/5C.

This course, intended for students majoring in physical sciences and engineering, is part of a three-semester course whose contents may be offered in other sequences or combinations. Core topics include an introduction to kinematics, dynamics, work and energy, momentum, gravitation and simple harmonic motion. Graded only. (C-ID PHYS 205/PHYS 100S).

Prerequisite: MATH 30 or MATH 30s

General Education: Area 4

Department recommends POLS C1000.

Social and Behavioral Sciences

The systematic study of people as members of society — cultural anthropology, cultural geography, economics, history, political science, psychology, sociology — and the methods these disciplines use to ask their questions.

Term 4

Class Schedules

14–16 units

MATH 32

Analytic Geometry and Calculus III

4 units

Meets Area 2.

Vector valued functions, calculus of functions of more than one variable, partial derivatives, multiple integration, Green’s Theorem, Stokes’ Theorem, divergence theorem. (C-ID MATH 230).

Prerequisite: MATH 31

PHYS 42

Physics for Scientists and Engineers II

4 units

Meet Area 5A/5C.

This course, intended for students majoring in physical sciences and engineering, is part of a three-semester course whose contents may be offered in other sequences or combinations. Core topics include electrostatics, magnetism, DC and AC circuits, and Maxwell's equations. Graded only. (C-ID PHYS 210/PHYS 200S).

Prerequisite: PHYS 41, MATH 31

General Education: Area 1B

Oral Communication and Critical Thinking

Baccalaureate-level oral communication and/or critical thinking — speaking with structure to a live audience, analyzing arguments, identifying assumptions.

Select One Option:

Biology Option

5 units

Choose one of 1 choice

BIOL 42
Organismal Biology
5 units
course details
This course is intended for majors and includes a survey of the biology and diversity of organisms and emphasizes classification, structure and function of organisms. (C-ID BIOL 130S/BIOL 135S).
Prerequisite: Intermediate Algebra or equivalent
+−

Chemistry Option

5 units

Choose one of 1 choice

CHEM 2
General Chemistry II
5 units
course details
This course is a continuation of CHEM 1, General Chemistry I. Topics include chemical kinetics and equilibrium, acid-base and solubility equilibria, thermodynamics, oxidation-reduction, electrochemistry, coordination compounds, nuclear chemistry, introduction to organic chemistry and qualitative analysis. This is the second semester of a one-year course in chemistry intended for majors in the natural sciences (chemistry, biochemistry, biology, physics, pre-medicine), mathematics, and engineering. The two-semester sequence of CHEM 1 and CHEM 2 provides the basic chemical background needed for further investigations into our physical environment. Graded only. (C-ID CHEM 120S) (C-ID CHEM 120S = CHEM 1 and CHEM 2).
Prerequisite: CHEM 1
+−

Geology Option (Group 1)

4 units

Choose one of 1 choice

GEOL 34
Historical Geology with Lab
4 units
course details
Historical geology with lab introduces students to Earth’s geologic history and the history of life on Earth. Drawing on concepts from plate tectonics theory, evolution, geologic dating methods and stratigraphy, students explore the planet’s origin and the processes that have repeatedly re-shaped the global environment during the past 4.6 billion years. It also covers the history of life on this planet and investigates the complementary roles played by natural selection and environmental change in shaping both modern and ancient ecosystems. These concepts as well as fossil identification, study of sedimentary rocks, and interpretation of geologic maps will be reinforced with an integrated laboratory program. (C-ID GEOL 111).
+−

Geology Option (or Group 2)

1–3 units

Choose one of 2 choices

PSC 50
Introduction to Weather
3 units
course details
This course is an introduction to modern meteorology. Topics include air circulation, pressure and wind, temperature, moisture, fronts, storm systems, cloud types and air stability. The course will also include an introduction to interpreting weather maps, synoptic weather forecasting, and climate change. Math will be used at times during this course but emphasis will be on a conceptual understanding of basic meteorology. It is highly recommended that students also enroll in PSC 51.
+−
PSC 51
Weather Lab
1 units
course details
This course will emphasize the practical concepts of physical science and weather using demonstration and experimentation. Topics include the scientific method, Newton's laws of motion, heat and energy transfer, the gas law, and fluid dynamics. Other experiments will demonstrate weather observation techniques, collection and analysis of atmospheric data, weather map study, cloud identification, interpretation of satellite imagery, and basic forecasting skills. This course may include a field trip to a local forecasting facility.
Prerequisite: PSC 50 (or concurrent enrollment)
+−

Mathematics Option

3 units

Choose one of 1 choice

CSCI 20
Programming and Algorithms I
3 units
course details
This course is an introduction to the discipline of computer science, with a focus on the design and implementation of algorithms to solve simple problems using a high-level programming language. Topics include fundamental programming constructs, problem-solving strategies, debugging techniques, declaration models, and an overview of procedural and object-oriented programming languages. Students will learn to design, implement, test, and debug algorithms using pseudocode and a high-level programming language. (C-ID COMP 122).
+−

Term 5

Class Schedules

16–18 units

BIOL 43

Ecology and Evolution

5 units

Meets Area 5B/5C.

This course, intended for majors, examines the basic principles governing evolution of organisms and interactions between organisms and the environment, and emphasizes ecological principles and mechanisms of evolution. (C-ID BIOL 130S/BIOL 135S).

Prerequisite: Intermediate Algebra or equivalent

MATH 40

Differential Equations

4 units

Meets Area 2.

The course is an introduction to ordinary differential equations including both quantitative and qualitative methods as well as applications from a variety of disciplines. Introduces the theoretical aspects of differential equations, including establishing when solution(s) exist, and techniques for obtaining solutions, including, series solutions, and singular points, Laplace transforms and linear systems. (C-ID MATH 240).

Prerequisite: MATH 31

PHYS 43

Physics for Scientists and Engineers III

4 units

Meets Area 5A/5C.

This course, intended for students majoring in physical sciences and engineering, is part of a three-semester course whose contents may be offered in other sequences or combinations. Core topics include optics and modern physics. Graded only. (C-ID PHYS 215) (C-ID PHYS 200S = PHYS 41, PHYS 42, and PHYS 43).

Prerequisite: PHYS 41, MATH 31

Select One Option:

Mathematics Option

3 units

Choose one of 1 choice

MATH 42
Linear Algebra
3 units
course details
This course develops the techniques and theory needed to solve and classify systems of linear equations. Solution techniques include row operations, Gaussian elimination, and matrix algebra. Investigates the properties of vectors in two and three dimensions, leading to the notion of an abstract vector space. Vector space and matrix theory are presented including topics such as inner products, norms, orthogonality, eigenvalues, eigenspaces, and linear transformations. Selected applications of linear algebra are included. (C-ID MATH 250).
Prerequisite: MATH 30 or MATH 30s
+−

Biology Option

4 units

Choose one of 1 choice

BIOL 15
Introduction to Microbiology
4 units
course details
This course includes the study of the structure and function of viruses, bacteria, fungi and protists, with emphasis on the predominant pathogenic members of those groups. Study of basic organic chemistry, genetics, metabolism, microbe-host interactions, the immune response and etiological factors involved in disease are also included. Methods of detection, identification, isolation, culture, enumeration, and control of microbes are provided. Graded only.
Prerequisite: CHEM 1 or CHEM 51 and One year high school biology or BIOL 1 or BIOL 2 or BIOL 20 or BIOL 21
+−

Chemistry Option

5 units

Choose one of 1 choice

CHEM 21
Organic Chemistry I
5 units
course details
This is the first semester of a one-year course in organic chemistry intended for majors in the natural sciences (chemistry, biochemistry, biology, physics, and pre-medicine). It covers fundamental principles of organic chemistry including structure, nomenclature, conformational analysis and stereochemistry. The physical properties, reactions and reaction mechanisms of alkanes, alkyl halides, alcohols, ethers, alkenes, alkynes, and allylic systems are studied. Infrared spectroscopy and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy are discussed in detail. Graded only. (C-ID CHEM 150/CHEM 160S).
Prerequisite: CHEM 2
+−

Geology Option (Group 1)

4 units

Choose one of 1 choice

PSC 10
Introduction to Environmental Science
4 units
course details
Introduction to environmental issues from a scientific perspective, focusing on physical, chemical, and biological processes within the Earth system, the interaction between humans and these processes, and the role of science in finding sustainable solutions. Topics include ecological principles, biodiversity, climate change, sustainability, renewable and non-renewable energy, water resources, air and water pollution, and solid waste management. The concepts will be reinforced with an integrated laboratory program. (C-ID ENVS 100).
+−

Geology Option (or Group 2)

4 units

Choose one of 1 choice

PSC 10
Introduction to Environmental Science
4 units
course details
Introduction to environmental issues from a scientific perspective, focusing on physical, chemical, and biological processes within the Earth system, the interaction between humans and these processes, and the role of science in finding sustainable solutions. Topics include ecological principles, biodiversity, climate change, sustainability, renewable and non-renewable energy, water resources, air and water pollution, and solid waste management. The concepts will be reinforced with an integrated laboratory program. (C-ID ENVS 100).
+−

Career Connections

2-Year Degree Paths

Entry points students may pursue after associate-level study, technical preparation, or licensure pathways.

No locally mapped occupations in the current dataset point cleanly to an immediate 2-year outcome for this program.

4-Year Degree Paths

Roles that more often open up after transfer and a bachelor's degree.

No locally mapped occupations in the current dataset are grouped into the 4-year pathway for this program.

Graduate School Paths

Advanced roles commonly associated with graduate, professional, or post-baccalaureate study.

No locally mapped occupations in the current dataset are grouped into the graduate-school pathway for this program.

Source Notes

Course sequencing is generated from the Acadia Program Mapper cache. Career groupings use local CIP-to-SOC mappings and BLS occupation data when available. Confirm education plans with Counseling and Advising.

No NCES/IPEDS CIP-to-SOC mapping was found for this program's CIP code.

Last generated 2026-06-12T23:19+00:00

Program Snapshot

Next Steps

2-Year Degree Paths

4-Year Degree Paths

Graduate School Paths

Source Notes